Hospitals Emphasizing Poison Prevention Week

March 19, 1985|The Morning Call

As part of National Poison Prevention Week this week, area hospitals are running a variety of programs to make people more aware of the dangers of poisoning and teach them how to react when a poisoning occurs.

One of the common substances used to induce vomiting in the event of a poisoning is Ipecac, which is being offered free to the public this week by Quakertown Community Hospital.

But Ipecac should be used, the hospital warns, only after first seeking medical advice.

Authorities advise that the container from whichthe poison was swallowed be kept because the ingredients listed on the label are vital to providing information to medical personnel charged with treating the victim.

In addition, warns Peg Parry of the Lehigh Valley Poison Prevention Center, "Never rely on the printed cautions on labels."

Very few manufacturers update their advice for accidental ingestion when their products change, she says.

The center notes that the incidence of poisoning from plants now ranks third behind household products and medications or drugs.

In addition to indoor plants, Quakertown Community Hospital reminds parents that outdoor plants also can cause great harm.

Because it's spring when trees and plants begin to bloom, says Quakertown emergency room supervisor Betty Carlson, it is during this time of year the "emergency department sees more people, especially children, who have had toxic reactions to plants."

The best treatment for poisoning, however, is to prevent its occurence.

For this reason, Grand View Hospital in Sellersville is handing out free packets this week of the lime-green frowning face of "Mr. Yuk," to be stuck to medications, toxic household products and such things as insecticides to warn youngsters and parents alike of their danger.

There are 2.3 million people annually in the United States poisoned and locally 10,000 people get sick from the ingestion of toxic materials.

Of that figure, 90 percent are poisoned in the home, according to figures from Grand View, which serves as the regional poison information center. Of those, 64 percent involve children under 5 years of age.

To help make children aware of the problem, Quakertown Hospital is sponsoring an annual Poison Prevention Week Poster contest for youngsters in grades kindergarten through 6 featuring Mr. Yuk. The entries will be on display at the hospital this week.

Further, Parry and hospital officials stress the common sense approach of keeping cleaning and painting materials, lighter fluid, medications, solvents, polishers insecticides and similar items out of the reach of children.